Five Actions to Strengthen the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession Into the Future: Perspectives From Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Introduction: Forecasting how workforces will meet projected challenges faced by future populations is essential to future-proof professions. This paper aims to describe the specific actions required for nutrition professionals (nutrition scientists, nutritionists, dietitians) to realise the professions' workforce development vision of the future. Methods: A qualitative interpretive approach was employed. Individual interviews were conducted with nutrition leaders and external thought leaders. Focus groups were also conducted with experts within the nutrition and dietetics professions, academic dietetics educators and students/recent nutrition science and dietetics graduates (total sample n = 68). Key nutrition-related issues and challenges, drivers for change and potential future roles of the profession were explored. This paper documents the actions required to achieve these outcomes. Data were analysed using a team-based thematic analysis approach. Results: Analysis and interpretation of participant interviews identified five key actions to strengthen the profession: ‘Enhance and harness the diversity of the profession’; ‘Develop a cohesive profession with a strong identity’; ‘Decolonise teaching and practice’; ‘Retain science as the fundamental basis of the profession with trans-systems knowledge integration’; and ‘Build opportunities for an agile nutrition workforce’. Conclusions: Future-proofing the nutrition profession rests on mobilising current strengths and embracing growth and change. There will be confronting challenges for members of the profession and for a united profession. Individual professionals, professional associations, educators and education institutions need to work together to instigate change towards a more equitable future to support optimal health and wellbeing for individuals, communities and populations.